Commercial Director

<p><b>Commercial Director</b></p> <p>Reporting To: Managing Director</p> <p>Location: Welham Green, Hertfordshire</p> <p><b>Role and Responsibilities</b></p> <p>The Commercial Director is responsible for leading the company&rsquo;s commercial strategy to drive sustainable revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion. The role oversees sales, business development, customer relationships, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations while ensuring alignment with the company&rsquo;s operational and manufacturing capabilities.</p> <p>The Commercial Director plays a key role in identifying new market opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening the company&rsquo;s position within gear manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, defence, medical, energy, or industrial manufacturing.</p> <p>This job description is not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities and tasks and can be amended at any time according to the business requirements.</p> <p><b>Key Responsibilities</b></p> <p>Commercial Strategy:</p> <ul> <li>Develop and implement the company&rsquo;s commercial strategy to achieve revenue and profit targets.</li> <li>Identify new business opportunities, market segments, and strategic partnerships.</li> <li>Lead long-term sales planning aligned with company growth objectives.</li> <li>Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies within the gear manufacturing sector.</li> </ul> <p>Sales and Business Development:</p> <ul> <li>Lead and manage the sales and business development team.</li> <li>Develop key account strategies for major customers.</li> <li>Drive new customer acquisition and contract wins.</li> <li>Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic clients and stakeholders.</li> </ul> <p>Pricing and Contract Management:</p> <ul> <li>Develop competitive pricing strategies aligned with cost structures and margin objectives.</li> <li>Lead commercial negotiations for major contracts and framework agreements.</li> <li>Ensure all commercial agreements mitigate risk and protect company interests.</li> <li>Work closely with legal and finance on contract terms and compliance.</li> </ul> <p>Customer Relationship Management:</p> <ul> <li>Maintain high-level relationships with key customers and partners.</li> <li>Ensure excellent customer experience and long-term client retention.</li> <li>Act as the senior escalation point for major commercial issues.</li> </ul> <p>Cross-Functional Leadership:</p> <ul> <li>Work closely with operations, engineering, and production teams to ensure commercial commitments align with delivery capabilities.</li> <li>Collaborate with finance to manage forecasts, budgets, and profitability.</li> <li>Support operational planning through accurate sales forecasting.</li> </ul> <p>Financial Performance:</p> <ul> <li>Deliver revenue growth and margin targets.</li> <li>Monitor sales performance and pipeline management.</li> <li>Provide regular commercial performance reports to the executive team.</li> </ul> <p>Leadership and Team Development:</p> <ul> <li>Lead, mentor, and develop the commercial team.</li> <li>Build a high-performance sales culture focused on accountability and results.</li> <li>Recruit and develop talent within the commercial function.</li> </ul> <p><b>Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):</b></p> <ul> <li>Order intake</li> <li>New business</li> <li>Customer retention rate / customer satisfaction (net promoter score)</li> <li>Price</li> </ul> <p><b>Skills and Experience</b></p> <p>Essential:</p> <ul> <li>Significant commercial leadership experience in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, or industrial sectors.</li> <li>Proven track record of delivering orderbook growth and strategic business development.</li> <li>Experience managing complex B2B sales cycles and technical products.</li> <li>Strong commercial negotiation and contract management skills.</li> <li>Experience leading and developing sales teams.</li> <li>Strong financial and commercial acumen.</li> <li>Own AS9100 processes.</li> </ul> <p>Desirable:</p> <ul> <li>Experience in sectors such as aerospace, defence and medical devices.</li> <li>Knowledge of CNC machining, precision components, or advanced manufacturing processes.</li> <li>International sales or export experience.</li> </ul> <p><b>Qualifications</b></p> <ul> <li>Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.</li> <li>MBA or equivalent commercial qualification.</li> <li>Or by experience.</li> </ul> <p><b>Personal Attributes</b></p> <ul> <li>Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.</li> <li>Results-driven with strong leadership capability.</li> <li>Excellent communication and negotiation skills.</li> <li>Strong relationship builder with customers and partners.</li> <li>Ability to operate effectively at all levels.</li> </ul>